Auckland Couple Scammed Out of $27,000 by Fake Painters, UK Nationals Charged
Auckland residents faced a sophisticated scam this year when a couple from Mt Albert was defrauded of $27,000 by a fake painting company, according to local authorities. The incident highlights the growing threat of fraudulent schemes targeting homeowners, with police urging residents to remain vigilant.
The Scam Unfolded
The scam began in early March when a British man and his associate, using a fictitious company called Everlast Home Improvements, distributed flyers in the Mt Albert area. The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted the company for an exterior paint job and paid a $27,000 deposit. However, the work was minimal and incomplete, with the perpetrators carrying out only a two-day sanding job before disappearing.
“Unfortunately, the unassuming victims engaged the services of the bogus company and handed over $27,000 as a deposit,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, as reported by the NZ Herald.
Suspects Arrested and Fugitive at Large
Andrew Yeshua Glauberman, 21, a British national, appeared in the Auckland District Court and pleaded guilty to two fraud offenses and multiple shoplifting charges. His associate, 29-year-old Thomas Jay Taylor, fled New Zealand, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges of obtaining by deception.
The pair had previously been involved in similar fraudulent activities, including shoplifting and deception at a Manukau hardware store, as noted in the NZ Herald report.
Police Warn of Widespread Risk
Police are urging anyone who received similar flyers or paid deposits for unfulfilled services to come forward. “If you haven’t received the services that you’ve put a deposit down on, it’s highly likely you’ve been scammed,” Bolton emphasized.
The fraud case has prompted local authorities to increase awareness about counterfeit service providers, particularly those operating under false company names. Homeowners are advised to verify the legitimacy of contractors through official channels and avoid upfront payments for unverified work.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
Glauberman, who is set to be sentenced on September 11, 2026, faces significant legal repercussions for his role in the scam. Meanwhile, the investigation into Taylor’s whereabouts continues, with police working to secure his arrest and prosecution.
This case underscores the importance of due diligence when hiring service providers. As one of the most expensive scams of its kind in the region, it serves as a cautionary tale for residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly.
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